No matter how inspiring some accounts may be, there's only so many ripped abs, trim biceps and overall slim physiques you can take before you start looking in the mirror and feeling a bit dissatisfied. Research even suggests that Instagram is linked to self-objectification and bad body image, specifically in women (though men definitely suffer from this, too).
How can you enjoy this platform without letting it tear you down?
Start by diversifying your feed and adding body-positive accounts to your follow list. These 10 Instagrammers embrace their physique, and they'll teach you to do the same.
Bo Stanley
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This surfer chick is not letting the strict ideals of beauty that can dominate the surfing industry--Blue Crush, anyone?--get in her way. She talks openly and honestly about her prior struggles with an eating disorder and the strive to be thinner to gain sponsorships and acclaim. Now, she's focused on being strong and has made a name for herself as a body-positive advocate and a model for popular brands like Athleta. You'll feel refreshed seeing her workouts, yoga routines and unretouched photos in your feed.
Jessamyn Stanley
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Jessamyn Stanley is a yoga powerhouse, and her feed is full of inspiring images of her practice. But she'll be the first to tell you she doesn't fit the yoga stereotype. She's a woman of color, a self-described "fat femme"and a promoter of diversity within a practice where many people look the same. Her feed will remind you that you don't need to be rocking the latest clothing or attending the hip yoga studio down the street to reap the benefits of yoga--an at-home practice will do just fine.
Jessica Pack
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Jessica Pack's fitness philosophy revolves not only around physical health but also dividing her time among all four "bodies," as she calls them: mind, body, heart and soul. She focuses on nourishing each of these parts of herself and choosing self-love above anything else. She's now grown a popular Instagram account (previously called Planking for Pizza) with 200,000 followers. With her commitment to self-love, her positive attitude and her affinity for strength training, it's no surprise she now offers her own 8-week fitness plan in addition to life-coaching and personal training services.
Zach Miko
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Zach Miko made history when international agency IMG Models signed him as its first-ever "brawn" model--in other words, a "big and tall" man as he describes, who doesn't fit the ripped-ab persona of most male models. Miko is extremely passionate about men being included in the body-positive conversation, and he talks openly on his account about his own body struggles and insecurity.
Julia Parzyck
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Julia Parzyck's FitFatandAllThat Instagram account is home to over 20,000 followers who can't get enough of her empowering workouts and body positive message. Julia used to suffer from an eating disorder and eventually decided to embrace her body, focus on a healthy, balanced lifestyle and give up the dieting for good. According to her, she's now 20 pounds heavier--and has never been happier. She loves to mix up her fitness routine, and it's common to see her post from a 5 a.m. workout class before she heads to work--talk about inspiring!
Mandy Ingber
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If you'd like to see a fitness star over the age of 30 on your feed every once in a while, look no further than yoga icon Mandy Ingber. Her tagline, "You already have a perfect body!" is all you need to know about her approach to the yoga practice. She's coached celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Helen Hunt and Brooke Shields and later wrote a New York Times best-selling book called, "Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover." You'll love seeing her mindfulness and reflections in your feed as she encourages you to dig deeper within yourself.
Krystal Cantu
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Krystal Cantu gives a new meaning to the words, "No excuses." A dedicated CrossFitter and all-around active person, Krystal lost her arm after a traumatic car accident in August 2013. But that didn't stop her from staying committed to the sport, and she now credits CrossFit with saving her life. She's continued to stay dedicated to health and fitness, and she'll inspire you to do the same, no matter the obstacles in your way.
Kelvin Davis
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With over 70,000 followers, Kelvin Davis is a bonafide social media star and now a published author. His brand is built on a mix of personal style and body confidence. He is all about the body-love message, and just seeing his smile in your feed will brighten your day and remind you that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Iskra Lawrence
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After modeling for numerous unretouched Aerie campaigns and eventually becoming an AerieReal role model, Iskra Lawrence quickly gained worldwide fame. She is now a body-positive activist, model and major social media personality, with over 4 million followers. You'll love her message of embracing your curves and "imperfections," as well as her workout and healthy living tips. Her philosophy: Work out to feel good--not to manipulate your body.
Meg Gallagher
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Meg Gallager, or Meg Squats as she's known around the internet, is a strength athlete and coach who runs her own YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers. On both Youtube and Instagram, she showcases her healthy lifestyle, specifically her lifting routine. She embraces her body for what it can do--not what it looks like--and regularly encourages her followers to do the same.
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